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MHS Apprenticeship Program

Milton Hershey started his industrial journey as an apprentice. The MHS Apprenticeship program recognizes this legacy. There are more than 1,300 apprenticeships available in Pennsylvania, and we seek to tap into this resource for our students. This unique program connects students and recent graduates with new opportunities.

 

A Milton Hershey School student works with a table saw while building a house in the school's Construction/Carpentry career pathway.

The Tools to Thrive

In 2018, Milton Hershey School grew its award-winning Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. It added real-world, hands-on apprenticeship opportunities through a formal program. The program provides students and graduates a way to grow market-relevant skills for in-demand jobs. The ultimate goal is to:

  • Improve employment outcomes
  • Provide the skills graduates need to lead fulfilling and productive lives
  • Help graduates earn a sustaining wage
Read More about CTE at MHS

The Value of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a “learn-while-you-earn” model. They combine structured learning and on-the-job training. Oftentimes, apprenticeships lead to full-time employment.

Apprentices gain valuable work experience. They have access to professional mentors and networks. They even earn postsecondary credits and credentials. Most require several thousand work hours to earn certification.

See more about the value of apprenticeships.

Financial Gain & Increased Opportunities

  • $60,000 is the average annual starting salary for apprentices¹
  • $300,000 is the difference in wages and benefits, over the course of a career, between those who have completed an apprenticeship and those who have not¹
  • 91% of apprentices retain employment after program completion¹
  • 50% of students who enroll in college take six years to earn a bachelor’s degree²
  • $30,000 is the average college debt a graduate has to pay back²

Professional Benefits

  • Develop skills that will serve them well in their careers and life*
  • Direct path to the workforce while earning a living wage*
  • Individualized path for each student*
  • Access to financial support through CES funds (for alumni, not current students)*
  • Receive a Journeyman Certificate from the Commonwealth of PA upon apprenticeship completion (for alumni, not current students)*
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry recently approved Milton Hershey School’s pre-apprenticeship program—the first of its kind in the state.

Pre-Apprenticeships for Students

The pre-apprenticeship arm of the MHS Apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in the state, approved by the PA Department of Labor & Industry. The program lets high school students work in their desired trade or work industry prior to graduation. They earn a pre-apprenticeship certification.

Students receive one-on-one support in identifying and applying for best-fit pre-apprenticeships. Then, they engage in paid, authentic, external work in the field. These hours are combined with the time spent completing in-school CTE coursework. Together, they count toward the completion of a full apprenticeship post-graduation if the student chooses to pursue this path.

Milton Hershey School student Joy Johns participates in an internship through the Law, Public Safety & Security career pathway.

Postsecondary Apprenticeships

The postsecondary apprenticeship arm of the MHS Apprenticeship program is for young graduates. It provides those highly interested in a career pathway the ability to work and learn in the desired field. They are able to continue their education if desired.

Alumni can apply Continuing Education Scholarship funding towards this path. CES assists with costs related to entering a formal apprenticeship, including housing, tools, food, transportation, and apprenticeship supplies. It also can cover the cost of related technical instruction if the tuition is not paid by the employer. This initial support provides a solid foundation for recent graduates. It lets them focus on earning an income while working toward certification in a highly-skilled, viable career path.

 

A Milton Hershey School student grating during class.

MHS Student Outcomes

  • 66 to 81% of MHS graduates attended a postsecondary institution the fall after high school compared to the national average of 63 to 70 percent.

Class of 2022

  • 63% completed an internship, co-op, or pre-apprenticeship
  • 31% took Advanced Placement courses
  • 1,148 total industry-recognized certifications earned
A Milton Hershey School student gains valuable real-world experience on the job at his internship with Pyramid Construction.

Where It All Starts

For many Milton Hershey School students, their first exposure to a particular industry is through an internship or co-op. Students are able to intern at a number of area organizations. These internships match each student’s chosen career pathway.

Learn about Internships & Co-Ops

* U.S. Department of Labor. “Apprenticeship Toolkit: Frequently Asked Questions.”
1Apprenticeship USA. “Research and Statistics.” Department of Labor.
2Parton, Brent. “Youth Apprenticeship in America Today: Connecting High School Students to Apprenticeship.” New America. December 14, 2017.

A Milton Hershey School College and Career Counselor works with a student on college plans.

College & Career Readiness

Preparing for What's Next
Milton Hershey School alumni attend Homecoming activities.

Alumni

Staying Tied to MHS Family
Milton Hershey School's 2018 Alumna of the Year Wendy MacClinchy.

Alumni Success Stories

Celebrating Graduates' Success

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.

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